Mumbai Poll Official clarifies: 'No OTP required to unlock voting machines' in EVM controversy

A Mumbai election official has dismissed a report claiming that a relative of a winning Shiv Sena candidate used a phone to unlock an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). The official clarified that EVMs do not require an OTP to unlock them.

Notice issued for false reporting

Vandana Suryavanshi, the returning officer for Mumbai North West, responded to the news report from Mid-day newspaper. The report alleged that a relative of Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Waikar, who won by just 48 votes, used a mobile phone connected to an EVM during the vote count on June 4. Suryavanshi stated that EVMs are standalone devices with no need for OTPs or wireless communication. She emphasized that the claims are false and defamatory. Consequently, a notice has been issued to the newspaper under sections 499 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation and spreading false news.

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Ensuring EVM security

Suryavanshi assured that EVMs have advanced technical features and strong administrative safeguards to prevent tampering. She explained that the entire voting process is conducted in the presence of candidates or their representatives, ensuring transparency. Mangesh Pandilkar, Waikar's brother-in-law, was reported to have used a mobile phone at the counting center, leading to his booking under IPC section 188 for disobeying an official order. His phone has been sent for forensic examination to verify its use.

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Opposition leaders cited the Mid-day report to question the transparency of the electoral process. Rahul Gandhi called EVMs "black boxes" lacking scrutiny, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi labeled the incident a high-level fraud. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the election outcome, suggesting the questions arose because his party won.

Separately, Elon Musk's tweet about the risks of EVM hacking sparked further debate. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar countered Musk's concerns, arguing that digital hardware security is achievable.

The Mumbai election official's firm stance and the legal notice to the newspaper underline the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the election process.